Our most recent generation of cosmology experiments, such as the Planck satellite and observations of distant supernovae, has reduced all of cosmology to the very precise measurement of eight parameters. This relatively simple model seems complete with no hints of additional elements required to explain the entire evolution of the universe from the big bang to some far distant future. These recent results include such things as the precise measurement of the contributors to the overall mass–energy density of the universe. We know with great precision the amount of dark energy, dark matter, neutrinos, baryons, etc., in the universe today. What we do not know is exactly what most of these things really are.

Observational astronomers use telescopes that look at the furthest distances in the Universe to look back in time and trace the growth of structure in the cosmos. Recent multi-wavelength measurements have helped us to constrain the components that make up the Universe and how those components evolve. We now know that most of the Universe is made up of dark matter and dark energy, but the nature of these components remains largely unknown. In this talk I will give an overview of the techniques used to map the universe on the largest scales, which have enabled us to measure dark energy and dark matter.

The Riverwood Conservancy, Earthshine Astronomy and Space Science Organization and the Mississauga Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada present the CITY STAR PARTY at the RIVERWOOD CONSERVATORY at 8:00 p.m. on TUESDAY Oct 16. This event is free.

The Moon is moving in the sky from Saturn to Mars in the sky from Oct 14 to Oct 17th. On the night of our event it will be nearing Mars in the sky. It will have just passed Pluto – but though you won’t see that dwarf planet through the telescope available, you should get some nice views of Saturn, Mars and the Moon. Get some great images of the Moon with your cellphone camera! We might catch a glimpse of Jupiter before it sets. We should get a good look at some colourful double stars.

Potpourri meetings feature a series of short presentations on various astronomy and space topics given by members of the Mississauga Centre. The meeting is open to the public and is free. The meeting will be held from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. at The University of Toronto, Mississauga Campus, in lecture hall SE2074 in the William Davis Building.

In this talk and slide show, Michael Watson will discuss his recent month-long trip to Australia, which included several nights of stargazing and astrophotography from the dark skies of the Australian Outback. He will talk about how he prepared for the trip, the equipment that he took, and how he produced the photos that you will see. His astrophotos will be interspersed with photos of some of the sights from around the Land Down Under.

We just learned that registration is requiredfor this event. If you are not registered, you will be turned away. For safety reasons, attendance will be limited to the 300 people. To register online, go to the Riverwood RASC National Star Party website or call 905-279-5858.

In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the RASC, the Riverwood Conservancy, Earthshine Astronomy and Space Science Organization and the Mississauga Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada present the RASC National Star Party at the Riverwood Conservancy at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday September 15 — weather permitting.

Please check here around 3:00 p.m. on Saturday for a “GO” or NO GO”. Also note that if the weather isn’t good, it will be cancelled. There is no rain date.

Potpourri meetings feature a series of short presentations on various astronomy and space topics given by members of the Mississauga Centre. The meeting is open to the public and is free. The meeting will be held from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. at The University of Toronto, Mississauga Campus, in lecture hall SE2074 in the William Davis Building.

Potpourri meetings feature a series of short presentations on various astronomy and space topics given by members of the Mississauga Centre. The meeting is open to the public and is free. The meeting will be held from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. at The University of Toronto, Mississauga Campus, in lecture hall SE2074 in the William Davis Building.

The Riverwood Conservancy, Earthshine Astronomy and Space Science Organization and the Mississauga Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada present the CITY STAR PARTY at the RIVERWOOD CONSERVATORY at 8:30 p.m. on WEDNESDAY Aug 22. This event is free.

There’s a chance you’ll be able to catch Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn in one night! We should get some views if the smoke from Western Canadian fires isn’t too thick. The Moon should offer some great opportunities for images with your cellphone camera! We should get a good look at some colourful double stars.